Abkhazia officially took part in the VIII International Sambo Tournament in the Republic of Artsakh

The VIII International Sambo tournament dedicated to the memory of the Hero of the Soviet Union, pilot Nelson Stepanyan was held in the Republic of Artsakh.

Sukhum. July 4. Apsnypress. Lana Tsvizhba. Over 250 athletes from Russia, Armenia and Artsakh took part in the VIII International Sambo Tournament in honor of the Hero of the Soviet Union, pilot Nelson Stepanian, and also athletes from Abkhazia were officially invited.

 As the senior sambo wrestling coach Robert Novoyan explained, Nelson Stepanyan himself came from Artsakh, but the tournament was held in Armenia for a long time. Recently it was decided to hold a tournament in Stepanakert.

Robert Novoyan described how the team from Abkhazia received an invitation to the tournament: "Two years in a row, the national team of Artsakh from which we received an invitation came to Abkhazia to participate in the sambo tournament."

 According to the coach, the trip was financed by the Armenian community of Abkhazia and the president of the Sambo Federation Mikhail Chalmaz. "This tournament was not included in the calendar plan, so we had to look for sponsors," - Novoyan said.

Robert Novoyan noted that the athletes looked worthy, showed what they are capable of. "Both athletes, Sabri Bigvava and Artem Bedikyan had three fights. Sabri Bigvava had 3 fights, he lost the last fight for reaching the semifinals. He was awarded a special prize "For the will to win". Artem Bedikyan had three fights and became the second prize-winner, " - Novoyan told.

 "The reception was at the highest level. Also we stayed at the training camp. In a break between the fights, we were shown the sights of the republic, " - summed up Novoyan.